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The idle conversation began to die down, and I realized that the humans were quite nervous I looked toward Vlad and raised an eyebrow

"She did not invite us here," I said at last

Vlad smiled at me as he took a chair near the fire He settled into it as if it was a throne "No, I summoned them here"

The pretense was over and the mortals looked even more nervous than before

"We are at your disposal," Sir Stephen said quickly "Whatever you desire"

Maria stepped back behind her husband and cast a wary glance in hed a little nervously "Oh, come now We are all friends"

"You are my servants," Vlad said in a low voice

The Baroness smile faded as she imive me" She bowed her head and took a step back fro with her skirt

Vlad sat comfortably in the chair, his hands folded over his chest "Let us speak openly before my wife It is time she understood all that has transpired"

The Baroness sat down sharply in a chair and looked toward me with fearful eyes

Maria took her place next to her husband, her hand taking hold of his

Sir Stephen looked absolutely terrified and he gulped visibly

"It is time, Glynis, that you understand the role these hu you my wife"

"You told me that Sir Stephen su me over to you," I said as I took my place next to his chair I leaned my elbow on the back of it and stared at the mortals I knew Sir Stephen’s role in the demise of my family from what Vlad had told me, but I made a mental note that I must act surprised about the Baroness’ participation

"He summoned several falish ere visiting when your family was?"

Sir Stephen looked down at his hands and frowned a little

I thought back to all the social events I had attended in Buda then slowly nodded "Yes, actually, I re at that time"

"It was the Baroness who felt I should pursue you She lish ladies Out of all of thely of your beauty and charht you out at the opera" Vlad smiled as the Baroness squirmed in her chair "Is that not correct?’

"Of course She is quite lovely and I felt she would co stature with her vivacious personality

"Of course, Sir Stephen did as I ordered because he fears me and is loyal," Vlad said with a bit of a shter, Laura, is about to return fro school in Switzerland and he was fearful I would chose her"

Sir Stephen paled, and Maria looked absolutely terrified

"We would have been honored if you had chosen her," Maria said swiftly

"So you did know all along that the veils were a lie," I snapped at her

Maria looked at her husband, then at Vlad At last she said, "If you understood what a great man your husband is you would not feel any reservations-"

"He murdered my family!"

My voice was sharp and cold

Vlad did not even look in my direction "Therefore, all of theyou to land And for that, I aht smile "It is our pleasure"

Sir Stephen looked up and said in a low voice, "I a Stephen’s hand

"I thank you for your service and now I release all of you Stephen, I a all h your parties are a delight and my wife and I shall attend any we are invited to, consider our dealings at an end"

The expression on the faces of the mortals was one of absolute shock and terror

"Count Dracula," Sir Stephen said in a tremulous voice "I am at your service! I will do as you say Have I not done all you requested?"

Vlad stood up and reached out to touch er required"

My anger was pulsating inside of ht then and there Vlad took ether, he turned and said, "Do with them as you please But with discretion"

"You cannot do this!"

I turned to look at the Baroness Her expression was desperate She wastoward us, one hand outstretched

"Vlad, please," she whispered